Constant light and pinealectomy disrupt daily rhythm in song production and negatively impact reproductive performance in zebra finches.

We assessed the circadian clock control of singing and reproductive performance in zebra finches. Experiment 1 examined changes in body mass, testis size, and plasma corticosterone and testosterone levels in male birds exposed to constant light (LL, 100 lx) and constant darkness (DD, 0.5 lx), with controls on 12L:12D (L = 100 lx, D = 0.5 lx). There was a significant increase in the body mass and testis size under LL and a decrease in testis size under the DD. Using a similar design, experiment 2 assessed the persistence of the circadian rhythm in singing along with activity-rest pattern in cohort I birds that were entrained to 12L:12D and subsequently released in DD or LL, and in cohort II birds that were entrained to 12L:12D and following pinealectomy were released in DD. Both activity and singing patterns were synchronized with the light phase under 12L:12D, free-ran with a circadian period under DD, and were arrhythmic under the LL. There was an overall decreased and increased effect on singing under DD and LL, respectively, albeit with differences in various song parameters. The pinealectomy disrupted both activity and singing rhythms but did not affect singing or the overall song features. Pinealectomized bird pairs also exhibited a significant reduction in their nest-building and breeding efforts, resulting in a compromised reproductive performance. These results suggest a circadian clock control of singing and more importantly demonstrate a role of the pineal clock in breeding behaviors, leading to a compromised reproductive performance in diurnal zebra finches.

The role of melatonin deficiency induced by pinealectomy on motor activity and anxiety responses in young adult, middle-aged and old rats.

BACKGROUND: Aging affects anxiety levels in rats while the pineal gland, via its hormone melatonin, could modulate their inherited life "clock." The present study aimed to explore the impact of plasma melatonin deficiency on anxiety responses and the possible involvement of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenocortical (HPA) axis and heat shock proteins (Hsp) 70 and 90 in the frontal cortex (FC) and the hippocampus in young adult, middle-aged and elderly rats with pinealectomy. RESULTS: Melatonin deficiency induced at different life stages did not affect the lifespan of rats. Pinealectomy abolished the circadian rhythm of motor activity, measured for 48 h in the actimeter, in young adult but not in middle-aged rats. Pinealectomy reduced the motor activity of the young adult rats during the dark phase and impaired the diurnal activity variations of old rats. The same generations (3- and 18 month-old rats with pinealectomy) had lower anxiety levels than the matched sham groups, measured in three tests: elevated-plus maze, light-dark test, and novelty-suppressed feeding test. While the activity of the HPA axis remained intact in young adult and middle-aged rats with melatonin deficiency, a high baseline corticosterone level and blunted stress-induced mechanism of its release were detected in the oldest rats. Age-associated reduced Hsp 70 and 90 levels in the FC but not in the hippocampus were detected. Pinealectomy diminished the expression of Hsp 70 in the FC of middle-aged rats compared to the matched sham rats. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that while melatonin hormonal dysfunction impaired the motor activity in the actimeter and emotional behavior in young adult and elderly rats, the underlying pathogenic mechanism in these generations might be different and needs further verification.

Protective Effect of the Novel Melatonin Analogue Containing Donepezil Fragment on Memory Impairment via MT/ERK/CREB Signaling in the Hippocampus in a Rat Model of Pinealectomy and Subsequent Aß1-42 Infusion.

A reduction in melatonin function contributes to the acceleration of Alzheimer's disease (AD), and understanding the molecular processes of melatonin-related signaling is critical for intervention in AD progression. Recently, we synthesized a series of melatonin analogues with donepezil fragments and tested them in silico and in vitro. In this study, one of the most potent compounds, 3c, was evaluated in a rat model of pinealectomy (pin) followed by icvAß1-42 infusion. Melatonin was used as the reference drug. Treatment with melatonin and 3c (10 mg/kg, i.p. for 14 days) had a beneficial effect on memory decline and the concomitant increase in hippocampal Aß1-42 and pTAU in the pin+icvAß1-42 rats. Melatonin supplementation facilitated non-amyloidogenic signaling via non-receptor (histone deacetylase sirtuin 1, SIRT1) and receptor-related signaling (MT/ERK/CREB). The hybrid 3c analogue up-regulated the MT1A and MT2B receptors, pERK and pCREB. Our results strongly support the hypothesis that melatonin-related analogues may become a promising drug candidate for Alzheimer's disease therapy.

The effects of pinealectomy and melatonin treatment in acrylamide-induced nephrotoxicity in rats: Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory mechanisms.

OBJECTIVE: Acrylamide (AA) is toxic and forms in food that undergoes high-temperature processing. This study aimed to investigate the effects of AA-induced toxicity on renal tissue in pinealectomized rats and the possible protective effect of exogenous Melatonin (ML) administration. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixty rats were randomized into 6 groups (n = 10): Sham, Sham+AA, Sham+AA+ML, PX, PX+AA, and PX+AA+ML. Sham and pinealectomized rats received AA (25 mg/kg/day orally) and ML (0.5 ml volume at 10 mg/kg/day, intraperitoneal) for 21 days. RESULTS: The results showed that malondialdehyde (MDA), total oxidant status (TOS), oxidative stress index (OSI), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and interleukin 1ß (IL-1ß) levels of the kidney and urea and creatinine levels of serum in the PX (pinealectomy)+AA group were more increased than in the Sham+AA group. In addition, glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and total antioxidant status (TAS) levels decreased more in the PX+AA group than in the Sham+AA group. Also, we observed more histopathologic damage in the PX+AA group. On the other hand, up-regulation of kidney tissue antioxidants, down-regulation of tissue oxidants, and improvement in kidney function were achieved with ML treatment. Also, histopathological findings such as inflammatory cell infiltration, shrinkage of glomeruli, and dilatation of tubules caused by AA toxicity improved with ML treatment. CONCLUSION: ML supplementation exhibited adequate nephroprotective effects against the nephrotoxicity of AA on pinealectomized rat kidney tissue function by balancing the oxidant/antioxidant status and suppressing the release of proinflammatory cytokines.

Effect of Melatonin on the Content of CD3low and CD3hi T Cells in the Thymus of Mice with Functional Pinealectomy.

Continuous lighting for 14 days (functional pinealectomy model) leads to a decrease in the relative number of CD3low and CD3hi T lymphocytes and the CD3low/CD3hi ratio in the thymus of C57BL/6 mice. Intragastric administration of melatonin in physiological doses (1 mg/kg body weight, 14 days) against the background of functional pinealectomy restores the percentage of CD3low and CD3hi thymocytes and CD3low/CD3hi ratio to the control values. Hence, prolonged continuous illumination inhibits the differentiation and maturation of young thymocytes into mature forms, while melatonin treatment helps to compensate the effects of functional pinealectomy triggering cell proliferation in the thymus from the earliest stages of proliferation and differentiation of T cells. Thus, melatonin has immunotropic properties and can be used for correction of the consequences of functional pinealectomy.

Pinealectomy and melatonin administration in rats: their effects on pulmonary edema induced by α-naphthylthiourea.

We aimed to observe the possible effects of melatonin (MLT) deprivation (pinealectomy) and exogenous MLT administration on pulmonary edema induced by alpha-naphthylthiourea (ANTU), a toxic chemical agent, in rats. Seventy animals were assigned to seven groups: control, sham pinealectomy (PINX), PINX, ANTU (10 mg/kg intraperitoneal on day 30), ANTU + MLT (10 mg/kg/day i.p. for 30 days), ANTU + PINX, and ANTU + PINX + MLT.In this study, pleural effusion (PE) formation, lung weight/body weight (LW/BW) and PE/BW ratios (fluid accumulation and weight values in the lungs) increase detected. Pre-ANTU MLT administration led to significant decreases in PE, LW/BW, and PE/BW levels. The inhibited glutathione (GSH) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) levels and high malondialdehyde (MDA) levels that ANTU increase lipid peroxidation in the study. MLT administration eliminated oxidative stress by reducing MDA and ameliorating GSH and SOD levels.Pre-ANTU MLT administration led to a significant decrease in interleukin-1 beta (IL-1ß) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) levels in the lung when compared to the ANTU group without MLT administration. Post-pinealectomy ANTU administration significantly increased IL-1ß and TNF-α levels when compared to ANTU and MLT administration without pinealectomy. Diffused inflammatory cell infiltration, interstitial pulmonary edema, and histopathological congestion were observed after the administration of ANTU. Severity of the damage was elevated in the ANTU + PINX group. MLT treatment regressed pulmonary effusion and edema and improves lung structure. In brief, the findings suggested that MLT inhibited proinflammatory mediators and could serve as a therapeutic agent to prevent inflammatory disorders.

A surgical modification in the technique of rat pinealectomy.

BACKGROUND: Several experimental intents require pineal gland removal. The main challenge of the pinealectomy surgical procedure is the hemorrhage due to the transverse sinus torn. The study aimed to modify the rat pinealectomy surgical procedure to reduce the risk of bleeding and the mortality rate. METHODS: Adult male rats experienced pinealectomy surgery. A mini-drill was used to remove a small skull area in the junction of the lambda and sagittal sutures. The pineal gland was removed using a curved-head hook. Animals experienced intensive post-surgical care. Locomotion, cerebellar motor function, working memory, and anxiety were evaluated 2 weeks after pinealectomy by the open field, rotarod, Y maze, and the elevated plus maze, respectively. RESULTS: Surgical modification reduced the bleeding risk and animal mortality rate. No significant alteration was found in locomotion and working memory. However, the pinealectomy was anxiogenic and decreased entry to the open arm. The cerebellar motor performance did not change in the rotarod test. Hematoxylin-Eosin staining of removed tissue confirmed the histology of the pineal gland. CONCLUSION: Advantages of this technique were removing a small skull area, modifying the hook insertion point to prevent damaging the brain veins, reducing the bleeding risk and the mortality rate. Surgery modification was associated with a decreased final number of animals used. Regardless of the melatonin shortage, pinealectomy affects different organs, which should be considered in the research study design.

Light-Induced Functional Pinealectomy. Effect on the Thymus of C57BL/6 Mice.

Light-induced functional pinealectomy was simulated in C57BL/6 mice by 14-day exposure to constant lighting. Immunophenotyping of CD3hi and CD3low thymocytes was performed by staining with CD3-APC antibodies followed by flow cytofluorometry. To study the cell cycle distribution of thymus cells, the content of intracellular DNA was measured by the level PI inclusion. In animals with light-induced functional pinealectomy, blood leukocyte content, the relative number of CD3low and CD3hi T cells in the thymus, and the ratio of CD3low/CD3hi thymocytes decreased. The number of G0/G1-phase thymus cells (non-dividing cells) increased and the content of S-phase cells (division phase) decreased. Continuous lighting stimulated the development of thymocyte apoptosis. The results obtained indicate that prolonged 24-h illumination inhibits differentiation and maturation of young CD3low thymocytes into mature CD3hi forms and leads to the development of T-cell apoptosis in the thymus and, as a consequence, to leukopenia.

Neck Pain and Headache After Pinealectomy: Improvement with Multimodal Chiropractic Therapies.

BACKGROUND Pineal gland tumors are rare central nervous system tumors, and while neck pain and headaches may be common among those who have had these tumors removed, there is little research regarding management of these symptoms. CASE REPORT A 45-year-old man with a history of pineal germinoma treated with pinealectomy, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and ventriculoperitoneal shunt placement at age 21 presented with chronic neck pain and headaches, which initially improved following his surgery and concurrent therapies, yet progressively worsened over the following years. He required thyroid and testosterone medication because of radiation-induced hypopituitarism, yet was employed, and until recently, active with playing tennis. He had previously seen his primary care provider, orthopedist, and neurologist, and had been cleared of severe pathology via brain magnetic resonance imaging and was referred to the chiropractor. On examination, the patient had severely limited passive cervical spine range of motion, yet hat no neurologic deficits, and radiographs showed mild cervical spondylosis and cervicothoracic scoliosis. His history and presentation were suggestive of radiation-induced fibrosis. The patient's neck pain, headaches, and quality of life improved with multimodal treatments including spinal and soft-tissue manipulation, stretches, and yoga. CONCLUSIONS This case illustrates long-term sequelae of a pineal gland tumor and its treatment, including neck pain and headache, and improvement with multimodal chiropractic therapies. Despite the success in this case, these results are not broadly generalizable. Further research is needed to understand the natural history of symptoms and effectiveness of multimodal therapies among patients who have had pineal tumor surgery.

Light-Induced Functional Pinealectomy: Expression of MT2 Receptors in Liver Cells of C57BL/6 Mice after Melatonin Treatment.

We performed an immunohistochemical study of MT2 melatonin receptor expression in the liver of C57BL/6 mice with modeled light-induced functional pinealectomy and after melatonin administration by the indirect avidin-biotin peroxidase ABC method. The animals were kept for 14 days under constant lighting. Intragastric administration of melatonin in physiological doses (1 mg/kg body weight for 14 days) to mice with light-induced functional pinealectomy resulted in a 2-fold increase in the relative expression area of MT2 receptors in liver cells in comparison with that in animals kept under standard lighting conditions, 24-h lighting for 14 days, or 24-h lighting receiving placebo (intragastric administration of 200 ml distilled water). Melatonin treatment had practically no effect on MT2 staining intensity. Our results attest to the important role of MT2 receptors in melatonin synthesis disorders and can serve as the basis for the development of therapeutic strategies aimed at melatonin receptors.

Pinealectomy in Rats.

The pinealectomy technique consists of the surgical removal of the superficial pineal gland. This procedure allows the ablation of circulating indoles produced by this gland. Withdrawal of systemic melatonin, a pineal hormone, affects animal circadian rhythms and induces several physiological changes that are the subject of many investigations. In this chapter, we describe the pinealectomy protocol adapted to rats. We describe the animal placement on the stereotaxic fixation system, and the procedure for the pineal gland removal and animal recovery from surgery.

Effect of Melatonin on the Expression of LYVE-1 Receptor in Liver Sinusoidal Endothelial Cells of Mice with the Light-Induced Functional Pinealectomy Model.

Intragastric administration of melatonin in physiological doses (1 mg/kg body weight) for 14 days to C57BL/6 mice with light-induced functional pinealectomy model (24-h lighting for 14 days) results in an increase in the LYVE-1 expression area by 2.4 times and a significant increase in receptor concentration (1.6% decrease in staining brightness) in liver sinusoidal endothelial cells in comparison with animals kept under continuous lighting and not treated with the hormone, which indicates the formation of stability of the endothelial barrier in the organ. Melatonin treatment also enhanced lymphatic drainage in all it links (including interstitial non-vascular pathways and lymphatic vessels) and improved structural and functional parameters of blood circulation and lymph flow in the organ, which created conditions for reducing metabolic load on structural elements of the liver.

Constant light exposure and/or pinealectomy increases susceptibility to trichloroethylene-induced hepatotoxicity and liver cancer in male mice.

Exposure to light at night, pineal gland impairment, and the environmental pollutant trichloroethylene (TCE) have serious implications for health and contribute to illness, including liver cancer. The adverse effect of the association of continuous exposure to light with decreased melatonin levels and TCE-induced toxicity is not disclosed in target organs. This work explored the role of light and pineal impairment in increasing susceptibility to liver toxicity and cancer upon exposure to TCE. Male albino mice were divided into groups as follows: control group (12-h light/12-h dark cycle), constant light (24-h light), pinealectomized (Pnx) mice, sham surgically treated group, TCE-treated groups subjected to two doses (500 and 1000 mg/kg) at two different light regimens, and combination of Pnx and TCE-treated mice kept at a 12-h light/12-h dark cycle. Melatonin levels were significantly decreased in both Pnx mice and TCE-treated animals at both light regimens. Aspartate transaminase, alanine aminotransferase, activities, and serum bilirubin levels were significantly elevated, whereas albumin levels were markedly decreased in Pnx mice, TCE-treated mice, and the combination group. Histopathological investigations reflected changes in liver function parameters indicating liver injury and induction of cancer. These effects were accompanied by significant increase of the liver cancer biomarker alpha-fetoprotein and the expression of the metastatic markers CD44, TGFß-1, and VEGF, along with increased oxidative stress indicators and inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, IL-1ß, and TNF-α) in both Pnx and TCE-treated mice and the combination group at both light regimens. Taken together, our findings indicated that low melatonin levels, exposure to constant light, and the combination of both factors increases susceptibility to the toxic and carcinogenic effects of TCE on the liver.

Influence of Pinealectomy and Long-term Melatonin Administration on Inflammation and Oxidative Stress in Experimental Gouty Arthritis.

Gout is an inflammatory arthritis characterized by the deposition of monosodium urate (MSU) crystals in the joints or soft tissue. MSU crystals are potent inflammation inducers. Melatonin (MLT) is a powerful endogenous anti-inflammatory agent and effective in reducing cellular damage. In the present study, possible underlying mechanisms associated with anti-inflammatory and antioxidative effects were investigated in rats with gouty arthritis and melatonin deprivation treated with MLT. Fifty-six rats were divided into seven groups: control, sham control, pinealectomy (PNX), MSU (on the 30th day, single-dose 20 mg/ml, intraperitoneal), MSU + MLT (10 mg/kg/day for 30 days, intraperitoneal), MSU + PINX and MSU + PINX + MLT. PNX procedure was performed on the first day of the study. As compared to the controls, the results showed that MSU administration caused significant increases in oxidative stress parameters (malondialdehyde and total oxidant status). Besides, significant decreases in antioxidant defense systems (glutathione, superoxide dismutase and total antioxidant status) were observed. A statistically significant increase was found in the mean histopathological damage score in the groups that received MSU injection. It was found that histopathological changes were significantly reduced in the MSU + MLT group given MLT. In our study, it was determined that many histopathological changes, as well as swelling and temperature increase in the joint, which are markers of inflammation, were significantly reduced with MLT supplementation. These results suggest that melatonin ameliorates MSU-induced gout in the rat through inhibition of oxidative stress and proinflammatory cytokine production.

Treatment with crocin suppresses diabetic nephropathy progression via modulating TGF-ß1 and oxidative stress in an experimental model of pinealectomized diabetic rats.

One of the most common complications of diabetes is diabetic nephropathy (DN). Uncontrolled hyperglycemia leads to histopathologic alterations in the kidney that prevent normal renal function. This study aimed to explore the effects of crocin treatment via virtue of its numerous beneficial properties in streptozotocin-induced pinealectomized diabetic rats. The pinealectomy procedure was conducted on the first day of the study. On the 30th day following pinealectomy, streptozotocin (STZ) (50 mg/kg) was administered intraperitoneally in Wistar rats for induction of diabetes. Diabetes was confirmed on the 3rd day following STZ administration by determining the glucose levels. Daily crocin treatment intraperitoneally for 15 days (50 mg/kg) ameliorated impaired renal oxidant/antioxidant balance, reduced TGF-ß1 immuno-staining around tubules, and promoted improvement of renal architecture. Moreover, crocin administration improved altered renal function parameters, including serum Cr and BUN, and also increased creatinine clearance. In conclusion, the protective effects of crocin on diabetic nephropathy might be associated with its powerful antioxidant properties, its ability to improve tissue antioxidant status, and its ability to prevent inflammatory pathways.

The influence of functional pinealectomy and exogenous melatonin application on healing of a burr hole in adult rat calvaria: a histological and immunohistochemical study.

BACKGROUND: Even today, repair of the cranial defects still represents a significant challenge in neurosurgery and various options have been used for their reconstruction to date. However, there are very few studies investigating the effects of exogenous administration of melatonin (MEL) as an agent that promotes bone regeneration. The goal of this study was to investigate the effects of functional pinealectomy (Px) and exogenous MEL administration on the bone repair properties and surrounding connective tissue alterations in a rat calvaria model. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The total of 30 adult female Wistar-Albino rats was randomly divided into three groups (n = 10): control group (CO; 12 h light/12 h dark exposure), functional Px group (24 h light exposure, light-induced functional Px), and Px+MEL group (light-induced Px + MEL, 20 mg/kg/day for 12 weeks). Critical-sized burr-hole defects (diameter: 3.0 mm) were surgically created by a single operator in the calvarium of all rats, using an electric drill. Animals in Px+MEL group received MEL 20 mg/kg/day for 12 weeks. At the end of the study, bone healing and connective tissue alterations surrounding drilled defect area in the rat calvaria were determined in haematoxylin-eosin-stained and Mallory Azan slices applied in anti-bone sialoprotein. Image Pro Express 4.5 programme was used for histomorphometric calculation of areas of new bone and fibrotic tissue. Normality control was performed by Shapiro-Wilk test. Variance homogeneities were examined by Shapiro-Wilk and Levene tests; Tukey HSD test was used as a post hoc method since there was no homogeneity problem. All hypothesis tests were performed at the 0.05 significance level. RESULTS: Histological analysis showed that the bone repair process in the Px+MEL group was similar to that of the CO group, whereas the functional Px group showed a delay. Histomorphometrically, it was found that the Px group had the largest hole diameter and the most fibrotic scar area, although no binary statistical significance was found between the CO and Px+MEL groups (p = 0.910). In terms of vascularisation, it was observed that the most vascular structure was found in the Px+MEL group among the scar tissue and ossification areas, while the vascularisation was the least in the Px group (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Our findings revealed that bone repair process was impaired in functional Px group, but exogenous MEL replacement was able to restore this response. Thus, it is concluded that utilisation of MEL may improve the bone repair in calvarial defects.

Effects of pinealectomy and crocin treatment on rats with isoproterenol-induced myocardial infarction.

The present study aimed to analyze the effects of pinealectomy and crocin treatment in isoproterenol-induced myocardial damage. Seventy rats were divided into seven groups: control, sham control, pinealectomy (PNX), isoproterenol (ISO; 85 mg/kg on the 29th and 30th days of the experiment, subcutaneous injection), PNX + ISO, PNX + crocin (50 mg/kg/day for 30 days, intragastric administration), and PNX + ISO + crocin. PNX procedure was performed on the first day of the study. A significant increase was observed in serum cardiac damage markers (CK-MB, Troponin I) after ISO administration. ISO administration led to a significant increase in cardiac oxidative stress parameters, such as malondialdehyde (MDA) and total oxidant status (TOS), while it led to a decrease in antioxidant defense system parameters, such as reduced glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and total antioxidant status (TAS) when compared to control groups. Elevated MDA and TOS levels were observed, while reduced SOD and CAT activities, and decreased GSH and TAS levels were observed in the group that underwent PNX and ISO administration when compared to the PNX group. Furthermore, in the PNX + ISO + Crocin group, SOD and CAT activities, and GSH and TAS levels ameliorated and MDA and TOS levels were reduced with the crocin treatment when compared to the PNX + ISO group. Also, marked increases were observed in serum cardiac markers, histopathological and immunohistochemical findings after the crocin treatment. All findings demonstrated that crocin could be employed as a cardioprotective agent due to its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic properties.

The Role of Melatonin on Behavioral Changes and Concomitant Oxidative Stress in icvAß1-42 Rat Model with Pinealectomy.

One of the pathological hallmarks of Alzheimer's disease (AD) associated with its progression that contributes to ß-amyloid (Aß) generation is oxidative stress (OS). Clinical data suggest that melatonin is a potent antioxidant that might be effective in the adjunctive therapy of this neurodegenerative disease. The present study aimed to explore the role of melatonin on behavioral changes and markers of OS in three rat models, namely, pinealectomy (pin) model of melatonin deficit, intracerebroventricular (icv)Aß1-42 model of AD, and combination of both pin and Aß1-42 model (pin+icvAß1-42). The chronic injection with vehicle/melatonin (50 mg/kg, i.p. for 40 days) started on the same day of sham/pin and icv vehicle/Aß1-42 infusion procedures. Anxiety in the open field and the elevated plus-maze test and cognitive responses in the object recognition test were tested between the 30th-35th day after the surgical procedures. Markers of OS in the frontal cortex (FC) and hippocampus were detected by the ELISA method. Melatonin treatment corrected the exacerbated anxiety response only in the pin+icvAß1-42 model while it alleviated the cognitive impairment in the three models. Pinealectomy disturbed the antioxidant system via enhanced SOD activity and decreased GSH levels both in the FC and hippocampus. The Aß1-42 model decreased the SOD activity in the FC and elevated the MDA level in the two brain structures. The pin+icvAß1-42 model impaired the antioxidant system and elevated lipid peroxidation. Melatonin supplementation restored only the elevated MDA level of icvAß1-42 and pin+icvAß1-42 model in the hippocampus. In conclusion, our study reveals that the pin+icvAß1-42 rat model triggers more pronounced anxiety and alterations in markers of OS that may be associated with melatonin deficit concomitant to icvAß1-42-induced AD pathology.

Pinealectomy and gonadectomy modulate amplitude, but not photoperiodic modulation of Clock gene expression in the Syrian hamster suprachiasmatic nuclei.

The duration of daytime light phase (photoperiod) controls reproduction in seasonal mammals. Syrian hamsters are sexually active when exposed to long photoperiod, while gonadal atrophy is observed after exposure to short photoperiod. The photorefractory period, or photorefractoriness, is a particular state of spontaneous recrudescence of sexual activity that occurs after a long-term exposure to short photoperiod. Expression of core clock genes in the master circadian clock contained in the suprachiasmatic nuclei depends on photoperiodic conditions. Interestingly, the expression of the Clock gene is also modified in photorefractory Syrian hamsters. Since melatonin and testosterone levels in seasonal species are dependent on photoperiod, photoperiodic variations of Clock mRNA levels in the suprachiasmatic clock could be a consequence of these hormonal changes. To test this hypothesis, we analysed the effects of pinealectomy on Clock mRNA changes due to long to short photoperiod transition and of gonadectomy on Clock mRNA levels in photorefractory period. Our data show that the suprachiasmatic integration of the short photoperiod (assessed by a rhythmic expression profile of Clock) is independent of the presence of melatonin. Furthermore, constitutively low expression of Clock observed during the photorefractory period does not require the presence of either melatonin or testosterone. However, we show that both hormones provide positive feedback on average levels of Clock expression. Thus, our data support the hypothesis that daily variations of Clock levels in the suprachiasmatic nuclei are influenced by photoperiodic changes and the time spent in short photoperiod, independently of seasonal modifications of melatonin or testosterone levels.

Effect of pinealectomy and melatonin supplementation on metallothionein, ZnT2, ZIP2, ZIP4 and zinc levels in rat small intestine.

We investigated the relations among levels of metallothionein (MT); zinc (Zn) transport proteins, ZnT2, ZIP2 (ZRT and IRT-like proteins); and ZIP4, which enable Zn absorption in the small intestine of rats. We also investigated tissue Zn levels in the small intestine. We used four groups of adult male rats: group 1, control; group 2, pinealectomy (Px); group 3, Px + melatonin (MEL); group 4, MEL only. Animals in groups 3 and 4 were administered 5 mg/kg/day MEL for four weeks. At the end of the study, all animals were sacrificed and samples of duodenum, jejunum and ileum were harvested to analyze ZnT2, ZIP2, ZIP4 and MT levels using immunohistochemistry, and tissue Zn levels were measured by atomic absorption spectrophotometry. The lowest ZnT2 levels in the duodenum, jejunum and ileum, and the lowest ZIP2 levels in the duodenum and ileum were found in group 2. The lowest ZIP4 levels were found in the duodenum and jejunum, and the lowest MT levels in the duodenum and ileum were found in group 2. The highest MT values in the ileum were found in group 4. We found that ZnT2, ZIP2, ZIP4 and MT levels were reduced in the ileum compared to controls following Px, but levels approached control values after MEL administration. By its effects on ZnT2, ZIP2, ZIP4 and MT levels, MEL participates in the absorption of Zn in the rat small intestine.